Here it is, the biggest refrigerator we've ever tested

Here it is, the biggest refrigerator we've ever tested:

There are about 180 models in Consumer Reports' current refrigerator Ratings. Since we started testing this appliance back in 1939, too many to count have come and gone. But it's safe to say that no model has been as mammoth as the new Kenmore Elite 7205 French-door bottom-freezer, with its claimed 31-cubic-foot capacity. Setting aside for a moment the question of whether so much space is necessary, let's take a closer look to see how Kenmore managed the feat.

The first space-saving innovation is in the walls of the Kenmore Elite 7205, where vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) replace the conventional insulation found on most refrigerators. VIPs are thin and flat, which results in narrow walls and a roomier interior. That coupled with a slightly larger footprint (its 35-inch depth is a few inches above the norm) accounts for much of the expanded capacity.

Inside the refrigerator, the first thing you might notice is what's missing—no bulky icemaker taking up interior shelf or door space. Instead, the "Slim In-door Icemaker" fits neatly in the door panel holding the exterior ice and water dispensers. Then there's a bevy of expansive storage options, including door bins that are deep enough to hold a gallon container and then some, say a bottle of ketchup; a full-width pantry drawer for deli meats and cheese; dual crisper drawers; and a tilt-out freezer door that allows you to access the double pull-out drawers and deep bin without sliding out the entire freezer compartment. There's also multi-level LED lighting, which doesn't affect the actual dimensions, but does make the interior feel bigger and brighter.

Beyond its ample capacity, the Kenmore Elite 7205 performs very well. It scored an excellent in our temperature tests, which measure accuracy and consistency. Noise was also excellent, while energy efficiency and ease-of-use were very good. And the fridge's dual evaporators maintain high humidity levels in the fresh-food section and keep freezer odors from migrating, which together could help extend the life of your food.

So is it worth spending upwards of $2,800 on the Kenmore Elite 7205? From a performance standpoint, several French-door models in our Ratings do better for less, including the top-rated Whirlpool for $1,700. That makes the decision mostly about size and features. Industry guidelines have, in the past, recommended refrigerators with a total capacity of between 19 and 22 cubic feet for a typical household of four. By that estimate, the Kenmore Elite 7205 would make sense only for very large families, say those with six or more members. However, if you entertain frequently, you might also value this record-setting refrigerator.

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